Helping utilities implement IoT-enabled

technologies that provide actionable data

To learn more
about IoT-enabled
solutions, call
1.844.4.H2O.DATA

Preparing for
smart cities
infrastructure
The Mi.Net Systems
seamless communication
capabilities are
key to IoT, p. 8

Experts weigh in
on approaches and
trends for building
a smart water
utility, p. 4

What an Internet-
of-Things (IoT)
driven water network
looks like, p. 6
Table of Contents
Learn more
about the
impact of IoT
and data
Call 1.844.4.H2O.DATA
(1.844.442.6328) to arrange for
a customized presentation
for your utility.
Increasing
Efficiencies With
Data-Driven
Solutions
Aging water infrastructure has become a reality for
many utilities, bringing additional challenges to those
already facing water loss issues, scarce funding, an
aging workforce and more. In other industries, smart
Internet of Things (IoT) technologies are being utilized to
streamline processes and increase efficiencies with great
success. Such technologies are now becoming available
for water utilities.
Smart utilities manage their assets through the use of
automated devices that enable the collection and analysis of
data on usage, flow rates, conditions and more. This enables
them to take intelligent action that can reduce costs and
ultimately deliver the best service to their customers.
This publication, the Smart Water Handbook, is
brought to you by Mueller Water Products, a single-
source supplier for utilities bringing leading technologies
to the industry on AMI, leak detection, remote shutoff,
automated flushing, pressure management and more.
Thanks to our partners and industry experts who shared
their thoughts and insights on the following pages, weve
defined what a smart water utility is and how smart
technologies solve common challenges, as well as
how utilities of any size can start implementing
IoT technologies.
2 smartwater HANDBOOK
Common Utility Challenges
How IoT and Data Are Helping Utilities
IoT, or Internet of Things, is a nexus of technologies incorporating sensor-based data gathering and next-generation
networking. The smart technology platform harnesses this IoT networking through the deployment of smart devices
a p u b l i c at i o n o f mu el l er wat er p ro d u c t s using advanced wireless technologies for remote monitoring and management of water networks. This allows utilities
to tackle problems facing the industry today, such as an aging workforce and the need for real-time water quality
monitoring. Below are five common challenges utilities face that can be addressed with data-driven solutions.
In This Issue Challenge Data-Driven Solutions
3 Common Utility Challenges Traditionally, utilities replaced parts of their water mains or distribution networks
How IoT and Data are Helping Utilities without having access to information about the condition of the pipes. In many
New cutting-edge technologies incorporate sensor- Aging cases, entire lengths of pipe were in good condition, with only parts of them needing
based data gathering Infrastructure immediate replacement. Gathering actionable data about the water network enables
utilities to decide on rehabilitation schedules and the methods used, with focus on
4 From the Experts
intelligent capital and operational expense planning and controls.
Industry Leaders Offer Insight on Smart Water
Distribution Systems
Q&As with Singapore PUB, American Water, Booky
Oren and Echologics With the average age of water utility operators currently standing at 55, water
utilities face the retirement of a large portion of their workforce in the next 10 to 15
6 Intelligent Water Technology
IoT-Driven Water Networks
Aging/Retiring
Workforce
years. Along with the loss of skilled personnel will come the loss of system knowledge
accumulated over their careers. IoT technologies will play a critical role in helping
Visibility, control and optimization of utility operations
and flexible backhaul approaches
to avert this, through the capture, centralization and sharing of data that secure
collective utility expertise for future generations of water network operators.
8 Smart Meters
Mi.Net System Prepares Utilities for Full
Smart Cities Infrastructure
Non-Revenue Pressure is put on utilities to reduce water losses from both an environmental and
Advanced network technology enables a complete
Water financial standpoint. Robust, simple leak detectors and algorithms enable utilities
intelligent solution
Management to differentiate between abnormal consumption (e.g., a running tap or a home pipe
& Leak break) and leak events in the network. This capability can help prioritize repair needs
10 Monitoring and Control
EchoShore-DX Technology Automates Leak Detection based on the severity and location of the leak.
Detection for Smart Utilities
Continuous remote monitoring for pipeline leaks
includes data flexibility for utilities
11 Monitoring and Control Real-Time, The advancements in online water quality sensors make it possible to monitor
Remote Meter Connect/Disconnect Technology Online Water chlorine levels, pH and temperature in real time. Integrating such functionality with
Delivers Operational Savings Quality consumption and use-pattern data enables utilities to improve the operation of the
I nterv iews and Data Prov ided By B luetech R esearch
Disconnects and reconnects are made easier with Monitoring water distribution system, as well as the service offered to their customers.
remote solution
Meters, sensors, leak detection and communication protocols are often installed from
Interoperability
multiple vendors within one distribution network, as utilities are typically reluctant to
of Smart
www.smartwaterbook.com rely on a single vendor. Solutions such as the LoRa communications platform and
Network
device-agnostic data analytics facilitate the integration of existing databases and
Devices
Copyright 2016 Mueller Co. LLC. All Rights Reserved. Trademarks and patents smart networks with new solutions.
and patent applications covering products marked with a section symbol are
owned by Mueller Co. LLC or its affiliates. For details, visit www.mwppat.com.
LoRa is property of Semtech Corp.
smartwater HANDBOOK 3
From the Experts
Industry Leaders Offer Insight on Smart Water Distribution Systems
Don Shields, P.E.
Vice President & Director
of Engineering, New Jersey
American Water
Is there a common
industry definition
of a smart water utility?
A smart water utility effectively manages its water
resources and efficiently uses them to best deliver on
both cost and quality to customers. It also collects
and uses data efficiently to make informed decisions,
ensuring sustainability of its system. This definition
has remained consistent throughout the industry;
however, it is evolving with time.
What is an example of how American Water is
collecting and using data to optimize operations?
American Water effectively monitors its system
to collect and gather information to determine
water quality, and for asset management purposes
where key aspects of the distribution systems are
monitored (e.g., pressure, flow and leaks).
While most of the data, such as pressure
and flow, is collected at short intervals (5 to 15
minutes), leak detection is one area in particular
where American Water feels data gathered at
24-hour intervals is sufficient for operators
to identify leaks for the intervention teams to
manage the issue.
Michael Wolan
Senior Engineering Manager,
New Jersey American Water
What is required to increase adoption of smart
water technologies?
Currently, there is a range of technologies available
in the market; however, to increase adoption,
we need to ensure the various systems are
interoperable. There are currently a number of data
collection systems in the market that work well
independently. If these systems do indeed have
synergies, this could open up opportunities for
integration with each other, and utilities can use
this data to track their systems in real time.
To read the full executive briefings, visit www.smartwaterbook.com
4 smartwater HANDBOOK
Michael Toh
Director, Water Supply (Network)
Department, PUB, Singapores
National Water Agency
Describe what smart water
distribution looks like to you.
A smart water grid system integrates information
and communications technologies (ICT) into the
management of the water distribution system.
Sensors, meters, digital controls and analytics
are used to automate, monitor and control the
transmission and distribution of water, ensuring that
it is efficiently delivered only when and where it is
needed, and with good quality.
The advances in ICT enable us to capture and store
enormous pools of data, and to perform powerful
analytics and predictive analysis to contribute toward
greater efficiency and effectiveness in our water
resource management. As our population continues
to grow, our water infrastructure must be ready to
meet an increasing demand while maintaining good
asset condition. There is an increasing need to leverage
these innovative technologies in order to ensure our
water infrastructure is sustainable and resilient.
What is an example of how PUB is collecting and
using data in real time to optimize operations?
Presently, many of our operational processes,
such as water leakage checks, quality checks and
meter readings, are still done manually. Against the
backdrop of a shrinking and increasingly educated
labor force, the implementation of the smart
water grid also helps us streamline our manpower
requirements and redesign our work processes by
automating daily tasks.
New ICT solutions are evolving based on utility
needs. As an example, we face a challenge in gathering
data on our pipelines that have a deep bury depth,
are lined, have undulating profiles and are difficult to
access due to urban build-out. This makes it difficult
to implement condition assessment technologies
on a large scale. However, once these challenges are
surmounted, this data can be uploaded into an asset
management program to improve the identification of
high-risk pipelines and prioritize renewal works.
To read the full executive briefings, visit www.smartwaterbook.com
Booky Oren
Chairman & CEO,
Booky Oren Global
Water Technologies
Can you provide an example
of how water utilities are
effectively collecting and using data?
There are many with whom I am familiar, but no
one utility has the perfect answer, so smart water
systems continue to be an evolving process. Even
a highly advanced water utility continues to put a
lot of effort into improving the way it is monitoring
the system.
Another dimension to this question is why a
utility needs a smart water system in the first
place. Historically, water was managed based on
assumption of use, and this is acceptable without
any budget constraint and regulations. However,
budget constraints and regulations are a reality.
We are thus moving away from an era in which we
manage our infrastructure by assumption, to an era
based on data and prioritization. The data obtained
through smart water systems gives us the ability to
prioritize, to improve efficiency and to give better
service to our clients by reducing operational
expense and preventing the need for an increase in
water tariffs.
Which regions in the world would you say are
more progressive in terms of building smart
distribution systems?
The most progressive would be North America due
to their wide adoption of AMR/AMI solutionsthe
basic platform for data is thus already there and
one can simply change from AMR to AMI. There is
also a lot of motivation from the EPA in the U.S.,
which incentivizes adoption of smart distribution
systems. Furthermore, the largest market for
smart distribution systems is also in the U.S. with
its 350 million people. There might be a big market
for these systems in China or another location in
the future, but the U.S. is still the most advanced
market in the world and thus companies approach
this market first.
Marc Bracken, P.E.
Vice President & General
Manager, Echologics
Do the core technologies
required to build a smart
water distribution system exist today?
Five years ago, the technology did not exist. The
industry required low-power electronics with high
onboard memory and industrial IoT communication
technologies. We started using mesh network radio
and achieved an 85% communication efficiency, but
there was still room for improvement. Last year,
many technologies came to the market, an example
being LoRa from Semtecha long-range, low-
power application that has plenty of bandwidth and
can send data up to 5 miles on a public network.
Previously, we were only getting around a 1,500-
foot range from spread-spectrum radios. Sending
data on a public network, rather than a proprietary
communication network, prevents utilities [from]
having to be stuck with one technology supplier
and thus pushes suppliers to stay on the cutting
edge to retain a utility. The cost of using these
open communication networks will also go down as
more companies use it; for example, smart waste
collection where similar technology indicates when
garbage bins are ready to be emptied.
A utility is thus waiting for technology that proves
it can solve issues. If smart water technologies can, for
example, avoid false positives in leak detection and
thus prevent money being spent on checking these,
the adoption of such technologies will increase.
I nterv iews and Data Prov ided By B luetech R esearch
Why should utilities invest in outside the plant
gate data acquisition?
Traditional SCADA monitoring capabilities within a
treatment plant almost disappear as soon as the water
leaves it, leaving most utilities operating with little to
no information about the water moving through their
distribution system. IoT-based solutions enable utilities
to more efficiently manage operations and optimize
capital investments. Having the ability to be proactive
versus reactive is the key difference between smart
technology and a traditional approach.
smartwater HANDBOOK 5
 IoT-Driven Water Networks
Visibility, Control and Optimization of Utility Operations
To learn more
about IoT-enabled
solutions, call
1.844.4.H2O.DATA
Remote Meter Disconnect Transmission
Minimize crew dispatches Main Monitoring
Manage delinquent accounts Identify leaks
Property damage avoidance Mitigate failures
Seasonal water disconnects Proactive repairs
Pressure Reduce costs Distribution Main
Reduce non-revenue Monitoring
water Identify leaks
Temperature Minimize water main Reduce water loss Pipe Condition
Preserve dissolved breaks Prioritize repairs Prioritize replacement
oxygen Better manage pumps Reduce costs Mitigate failures
Maintain water quality to reduce energy needs Optimize capital plans
Disinfectant Improve public health Usage and Billing
Residuals Measure water usage
Maintain consistent Conserve water
water quality Improve billing accuracy
Reduce customer
complaints
Comply with U.S. EPA
requirements
Lower operational
costs

Flexible Backhaul Approaches

Mueller Water Products companies offer flexible backhaul
options for utilities, giving them the opportunity to migrate
their data as they grow into full IoTenabled smart cities.
In several cases, this flexibility allows water utilities to
implement new technology at their own pace, enabling
them to expand over time. Muellers offerings can transmit
and collect data via a radio, cellular or the LoRabased
Mi.Net network. By offering these backhaul options,
Mueller is able to accommodate utilities of all sizes at any
point in their transition to smart cities technologies.
Radio Frequency
Radio frequency (RF) is the most basic of
the backhaul options, ideal for smaller
utilities with fewer end points and
less extensive networks. Data travels
from one point to another via the RF
spectrum, and the data is secure.
Cellular
For utilities interested in implementing
IoT-based leak detection and pressure
management solutions, cellular backhaul is
a good option. As specific telecom carriers
host cellular networks, there is no need for a
utility to create its own fixed radio network.
This enables utilities to quickly deploy
technologies into the water network.
LoRa
Utilities seeking an option with the most IoT capabilities should
examine migrating to a LoRa-based network. Short for low
power, long range, LoRa is an RF modulation technique that
offers high-power transmissions and increased range over
traditional systems. This option reduces the noise that can cause
interference in basic RF transmissions, allowing for longer-range
data retrieval. LoRa is an open-systems, interoperable network,
which allows utilities to connect to any IoT-enabled devices.

6 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 7

Smart Meters

Mi.Net System Prepares Utilities for Full Smart Cities Infrastructure

Regardless of size, utilities all face similar challenges, to complain about a large bill, utilities are notified of leaks Implementing the Technology
with time, money and manpower often in short supply. sooner rather than later and can take action immediately. Utilities have a number of options for implementation.
Fortunately, new-generation technologies that allow for Most utilities desire a full change out of devices, but
seamless communication between devices are making it IoT-Ready switching out thousands or even tens of thousands
easier for utility workers to collect data in near-real time The unique differentiator of the Mi.Net system is of meters at one time can be a challenge. The Mi.Net
without leaving their offices. This enhanced Internet of Things its ability to enable IoT smart cities infrastructure. systems network gives a utility the option to begin
(IoT) technology approach helps provide a comprehensive While traditional AMI networks are closed systems on with a mobile system and eventually upgrade to a
overview of an entire water distribution system by allowing proprietary networks that only allow communication fixed network. Utilities can also choose which meters
multiple devices to work in tandem, collecting actionable between certain types or brands of equipment, the LoRa to connect to the network based on population or
data to help proactively address concerns. platform is an open architecture standard designed location. When fully implemented, the utility receives
specifically for IoT applications. On this network, a utility the full impact of the system.
Complete Data Solution can install any IoT device regardless of manufacturer or The Mi.Net system is ideal for utilities of any size.
For more than 150 years, Mueller Systems, LLC and equipment type. This open network operates seamlessly Whether connecting a network of 1,000 meters or
its affiliates have been providing water infrastructure on the open ISM band. IoT systems require open 500,000 meters, the result is the same: an IoTbased
solutions, including metering, to water utilities. The standards and open, unlicensed frequencies. data solution that helps make a utility smarter.
Mi.Net system is a
LoRabased network What is LoRa?
technology that allows
The Mi.Net system employs LoRa technology. LoRa,
longrange, fully two
short for low power, long range, is an RF modulation
way communications for
technique that offers high-power transmissions and
smart cities applications.
increased range over traditional systems with lower
Utilities can gather hourly
battery usage. The technology offers a meter reading
usage data from every
distance of beyond 2 miles, with a battery life of greater
meter in the network. The
than 20 years. The secret behind this technology is a
system includes Mueller
modulation scheme that reduces the RF noise that is
Systems 420 RDM (Remote
inherent in any radio environment. By eliminating the
Disconnect Meters) and
noise, the reading distance increases, offering enhanced
integrates seamlessly with
performance. Additionally, LoRa is an open-systems,
the EchoShoreDX leak
interoperable network, which means utilities can connect
detection platform; it also
to any IoT-enabled equipment regardless of manufacturer.
can be combined with other
IoT devices as needed by
the utility.
Data from equipment
installed throughout Flexibility to Use
the distribution system
communicates across the
Best-in-Class Technologies
Mi.Net network and can The Mi.Net technology enables more than just remote
alert a utility of leaks, meter reading. When matched with the capabilities
bursts or other emergent of the 420 RDM and paired with the EchoShore
conditions. With all this DX leak detection platform, it provides a full leak
data at its fingertips, detection solution. When the EchoShoreDX acoustical
the utility is able to be technology detects a leak in a distribution system, the
proactive, instead of data generated is sent through the system and flagged.
reactive. As an example, The acoustic units are then able to correlate the data
the ability to direct time to determine the location of the leak. Once the leak
and resources to the is confirmed, service can be shut off via the 420 RDM.
location of the leak is This actionable data is vital in mitigating water loss in
crucial. Instead of waiting to a distribution system, leading to cost savings for both
see a leak or for a customer the utility and the customer.

8 smartwater HANDBOOK smartwater HANDBOOK 9

Monitoring and Control
EchoShore-DX Technology Automates
Leak Detection for Smart Utilities
The automation of data collection and reporting is a key
component to developing smart cities. Monitoring smart
water infrastructure gives utilities the ability to not
only identify leaking pipes before they cause issues, but
also create significant operational efficiencies through
optimized capital investments. Through early detection
of leaks, utilities can better manage their water main
assets and help avoid catastrophic consequences.
Continuous Remote Monitoring
The EchoShore-DX leak detection platform from
Echologics provides daily monitoring of a water
distribution system. It looks for existing or emerging
leaks using acoustical sensor nodes that are fitted
onto a standard fire hydrant pumper nozzle cap. The
nodes are intelligent with the ability to discern the
presence of small leaks in their zones of deployment.
They can also communicate with each other, as well
as a central collection hub. Each node establishes an
EchoShore-DX nodes
enable a utility to find leaks
early and prioritize repairs.
10 smartwater HANDBOOK
accurate acoustical baseline for its respective monitoring
zone, ensuring detection of leaks that may develop
in the future. With EchoShore-DX technology, data
is collected via radio frequency (collector) or cellular
networks, allowing for near real-time data analysis. The
user interface (UI) is highly intuitive to use, providing
high-level reports at the start of each day. The location
and other relevant details of potential leaks are easily
identified. The UI provides two-way communications,
enabling simplified verification of points of interest by
field personnel.
Maximizing the Benefits
A key benefit of the EchoShore-DX technology is its
interoperability with other Mueller Water Products, Inc.
smart infrastructure systems. The data points collected
and analyzed via EchoShore-DX nodes are managed
through the same UI as Mi.Net network technology,
e.g., 420 Remote Disconnect Meters from Mueller
Systems, LLC, and remote pressure monitors from
Mueller Co. LLC. By combining these smart components,
utilities can create a more complete Supervisory Control
and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system for their water
distribution systems.
In addition to maximizing non-revenue water loss
from non-surfacing leaks and reducing pipe repair costs,
traditional resources used to hunt for leaks are no longer
required. Field crews can be directed toward the highest
priority leaks. The data provided by the system enables
a utility to not only identify a leak, but also to monitor its
progression and prioritize repair criticality.
Data Backhaul Flexibility
The EchoShore-DX system is scalable and
migratable, an ideal way to start a new
technology deployment, typically
in an area of concern. Targeted
deployments can be done with
cellular networks, so smaller utilities
without full AMI capabilities can
still experience the data benefits
of EchoShore-DX technology. As
the EchoShore-DX system is deployed
to cover larger sections of a network, it can
seamlessly transition to the radio frequency or LoRa
network, giving each utility the flexibility and time to
grow its use and management of data.
Remote Meter Connect/Disconnect
Technology Delivers Operational Savings
A utilitys data truly becomes useful when it provides an
impetus to take action within the water distribution system.
In a smart water utility network, DMA zones are remotely
monitored and controlled, leading to more efficient
personnel responses and greater awareness of activity
occurring within the water delivery infrastructure. With
devices such as the 420 RDM (Remote Disconnect Meter)
from Mueller Systems, LLC, water utilities can better serve
their customers with the data obtained from their Mi.Net
advanced network infrastructure. There are numerous use
cases for utilities to better serve their customers by directly
controlling valves at each customer site.
Managing Disconnects and Reconnects
The 420 RDM contains a remote disconnect valve, which is
integral to the 5/8-inch residential meter. Utilities can use
this feature to directly manage their water services from
the utility office. The unique quality of the 420 RDM is the
integral valve that allows the utility to upgrade to remote
disconnect by simply installing the meter into the existing
standard 7.5-inch service. The RDM works seamlessly with
Mueller Systems, LLCs Mi.Net advanced IoT network
technology and receives prompts from the Mi.Net user
interface when action is needed.
When the utility customer service department notes a
condition requiring valve activation, the system works as
easily as clicking a mouse to disconnect or reconnect the
water service as needed.
Adding 420 RDMs to any smart water network offers
numerous benefits for water utilities. When reports come in
via the Mi.Net system that indicate unexpected excess flows
at certain properties or areas, service representatives at the
utility can follow up with owners to determine the source.
This can be valuable in a number of scenarios, such as when
vacationing homeowners are unaware a pipe has burst;
shutting off their valves can save precious water resources
costs as well as minimize property damage.
Improve Operational Efficiency and Safety
Another key benefit is the ability for utilities to cut down on
labor and operational costs, as fewer trucks are needed to
manually shut off or turn on water service in the field. With
less crews and fewer vehicles making routine disconnects
and reconnects, those resources can be redirected
elsewhere where maintenance or other work is needed.
This ultimately keeps employees out of any situation
where they may encounter safety risks, including unknown
Monitoring and Control
To learn more
about IoT-enabled
solutions, call
1.844.4.H2O.DATA
In conjunction with
Mi.Net, the 420 RDM
allows utilities to
remotely manage their
water services.
states of plumbing, angry customers, or dangerous
neighborhoods. Protecting employee safety is always the
foremost concern of the utility.
Ease of Deployment
It is very easy for utilities to realize the efficiencies and
real cost savings of the 420 RDM. The most attractive
business case option is for installing the 420 RDM into the
Mi.Net IoT network infrastructure. The 420 RDM is easily
installed into any existing or future Mi.Net network. The
utility can choose to install the RDM in strategic areas
with as few, or as many, RDMs as needed. Of course,
the most compelling business case for the RDMs is to
install them throughout the system. In many cases, the
payback period for an AMI installation can be cut in half
by purchasing the 420 RDM for all installations.
For those utilities who want the benefit of smart utility
infrastructure, but are not quite ready to make the jump,
Mueller Systems, LLC also offers the RD M Mobile option.
This option allows the utility to remotely connect/disconnect
the 420 RDM from the street without having to gain access to
the meter box in order to make the connection/disconnection.
smartwater HANDBOOK 11
Automated Flushing
Systems Provide
Higher Water Quality
Consistency

Water distribution systems with areas of stagnation or insufficient

demand must maintain minimum disinfectant residuals in their Permanent flushing
water lines in order to maintain quality. Periodic flushing of the systems from Mueller
Co. allow utilities
pipelines is a common solution to controlling residuals within the to maintain more
distribution system, but the traditional method has been to deploy consistency in the level
of chlorine residual,
work crews to manually flush water at end points. For smart cities, especially at dead ends
automatic flushing systems provide the opportunity for utilities to in the system.

automate and program their flushing schedules, lowering labor and

operational costs as well as improving consistency of water quality.

Mueller Co.s HydroGuard line of solutions flush distribution

systems when water demands are low, or when residual levels are
below predetermined levels. Several water quality conditions can be
monitored, including chlorine, pH, temperature, turbidity and flow
rate. With more monitoring at dead end points of a water distribution
system, utilities can be more proactive in their flushing processes
and rely less on documented complaints from customers regarding
their quality, improving customer service. Utilities can also reap the
benefits of saving time and money by not having to send field crews
to disrupt traffic and manually flush fire hydrants, redirecting them

elsewhere to more needed jobs. The HydroGuard system is also
available with pressure sensors, giving water utilities a real-time
pressure monitoring solution throughout their distribution systems.
Using local cellular networks, sensors continually report data and alert
the utility when high or low pressure thresholds are exceeded. www.smartwaterbook.com